Upon fall’s arrival, one may hear the sound of beautiful music grace the Downtown Phoenix area as temperatures begin to simmer down. Where is it coming from you might ask? At the Phoenix Symphony, of course, as it prepares to open its doors again to the public. And if you decide to venture out to Symphony Hall this Thursday night, September 20, for its season opening, you may be in for a real treat. Arizona Cardinal wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will conduct the “Star Spangled Banner” with the Phoenix Symphony.

Fitzgerald had a chance to rehearse with the symphony early Tuesday morning, proving to all that he does indeed know how to keep a beat. He ran through the National Anthem two times before speaking about how important the event was to him.

“It truly is an honor to be here,” Fitzgerald says. “This is something really special for me because I’ve never done anything like this before. I feel honored and humbled to be here.

“It is so special to be an American because of the freedoms that we have, and I never thought I would get an opportunity to do something like this.”

At the rehearsal, Fitzgerald seemed to command the Symphony with ease and grace; however, he said he has never expected conducting to be harder than football and offered advice for any others who may be thinking of following his footsteps.

“This orchestra is very well-conducted, and I feel that this is tougher than football,” Fitzgerald says. “Three things that I learned from this experience is first, don’t drop the baton. Second, be natural, be confident and be poised. Third, is just have a good time.”

After Fitzgerald finishes his conducting duties Thursday, guests will have the opportunity to see Sarah Hicks conduct Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, with encore performances for Friday and Saturday evening.

Larry Fitzgerald rehearsing with the Phoenix Symphony:

If you would like to attend a show at the Phoenix Symphony, below is a small list of events. For a more detailed schedule with listed times, please visit phoenixsymphony.org.